The African Banker’s judging process sought to recognise the African banks that have demonstrated original and practical uses of technology to provide customer convenience, improved and more affordable services and greater access to the financial services sector in Africa.
Ade Ayeyemi, Group Chief Executive Officer said: “Winning the Award for Innovation in Financial Services from the African Banker magazine is such an honour. It provides public recognition of our pioneering role in harnessing technology to complement our pan-African presence and partnerships, to deliver accessible, convenient, affordable and innovative banking products which are making a difference to millions of lives and businesses across sub-Saharan Africa. Five years ago, we commenced a digital transformation journey to transform our banking products and services. This award attests to the success of that journey and we are delighted that our significant investment in technology is yielding the desired results.”
“Our one bank model, powered by our robust pan-African banking digital platform provides diverse products and services to governments and corporate clients using our digital platforms including Ecobank Omni Plus amongst others, Ecobank Omni Lite for our SMEs and commercial bank clients as well as our Ecobank Mobile App and Ecobank Online for our consumer clients. These are in addition to the highly effective cash management, transaction banking solutions and our cross-border Rapidtransfer remittance solution – a few of the headline-grabbing innovations that we have delivered to meet and exceed the evolving needs and expectations of our customers. I applaud all my Ecobank colleagues for their continued commitment and dedication to serving our customers especially during these challenging COVID-19 times.”
Other African banking awards won by Ecobank so far in 2020 include amongst others, Most Innovative Bank in Africa, Best Bank for Payments& Collections, Best Integrated Corporate Banking Site in Africa (Global Finance) and the Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility (Euromoney Awards for Excellence).
The support includes food items and hygienic equipment worth Rwf22.6million. They were handed over to Regis Mudaheranwa, Executive Administrator of Gasabo district on 27th, August 2020
It was raised to help teachers who have been out of work for a while due to the government’s decision to close schools as part of a strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Mudaheranwa said they were going to enumerate all the private school teachers who need food before supplying it.
He thanked the Chinese Embassy for its ongoing cooperation with Gasabo District, as it was not the first time it had sponsored them.
Xing Yuchun, China’s Deputy Ambassador to Rwanda explained the choice to help teachers in Gasabo District.
“The reason we chose to help teachers, is that at home in China a teacher is a highly respected person. Seeing them in a bad situation is a very serious problem. So the reason we chose Gasabo, is because it’s where we work from, it is our home or it is where our embassy is built, and we want to be friends with the people of Gasabo.”
Donations include food such as rice, flour, beans, oil, salt, and hygiene items such as soaps.
The grant is expected to be sent to private school teachers who have lost their jobs during the recent COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
Changing the curfew hours is one of the resolutions of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, which was adjusted from between 9 pm and 5 am, and is now set from 7 pm to 5 am.
In an interview with the RBA, Dr. Ngamije said that in the last three weeks, the nature of the pandemic has changed dramatically, “so that one can say that the pandemic is signaling to us that it can get worse.”
That is why the Government has come up with a strategy to prevent it, where since COVID-19 came to Rwanda from March 14, 2020, to the end of July, there are about 1,500 cases, for four months. However, in the last 45 days, the number of patients has increased from 1,500 to 3,600.
Dr. Ngamije said it was indicative that the pandemic is widespread in the area where people did not comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines; some don’t wear masks, don’t comply with social distance, and don’t wash their hands while entering at the workplace.
“What we want is to avoid overcrowding of people. Looking at the decisions of the Government, you see that we have asked people to comply with social distance because we have asked the number of people working in the same place be reduced, either in the private sector, government agencies, market places, or in other business houses. The decision is aimed at reducing the number of people meeting at the same place. ”
“Secondly, when people meet, we ask that when the work is done, they go home without going anywhere else to meet with another group of people.”
He said that these days it has become more visible on social media and elsewhere, where people either on weekdays and on weekends, you find them at home or elsewhere gathering without complying with the COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
He said people should be more vigilant about the pandemic, as it kills and does not care about the age as some people thought.
The number of COVID-19cases in Rwanda is 3625, and 15 deaths.
NCSA was established by Law N ° 26/2017 of 31/05/2017, to build knowledge and capacity in the field of information and communication technology, to protect the integrity and security of the nation, leading to economic and social development. NCSA is overseen by the Presidency.
Its responsibilities include advising the President of the Republic and other public and private sectors on strategies to protect Rwanda’s interests in the field of technology; to investigate and identify activities that have or may be detrimental to the national security of the site and to inform the relevant authorities of the information obtained from the investigation.
It also includes establishing measures to ensure the safety of all activities carried out using ICT and to perform other functions required by the President of the Republic.
In July 2020, President Paul Kagame promoted Colonel David Kamu Kanamugire to the rank of Colonel. Kanamugire has been the director of technology in the Ministry of Defense.
In the same meeting, Assistant Commissioner of Police Lynder Nkuranga was appointed as the Director-General of External Intelligence at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). This position in NISS has been occupied by Anaclet Kalibata. Nkuranga has been serving as the commissioner of protocol and co-operation in the Rwanda National Police, (RNP).
Under the law governing the powers, responsibilities, structure, and functioning of the National Service for Investigation and Security, the Directorate General of Investigation and Security Abroad is one of the main organs of NISS, as well as the General Directorate of Internal Security and Investigation, the Directorate General of Administration and Finance and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
NISS is generally responsible for conducting internal and external investigations and assessing immigration to protect and prevent threats to national security.
Lt Col Ngabo Francis was also appointed as CEO of Rwanda Space Agency, RSA. He has been working as the Director in charge of Spectrum and Numbering management at Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authorities, (RURA).
In May 2020, the Cabinet approved a draft law establishing RSA. It is a reminder of the progress Rwanda is making in the field of aerospace technology, as well as building on other common institutions such as ESRI Rwanda and the Institute of Science at the University of Rwanda.
Also, Rwanda has traditionally used aerospace technology to assist in imaging during census, land survey, and research. It is an activity that needs to continue to be empowered and expanded.
The center will also assist in agricultural planning, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and urban planning through the use of satellite and imaging systems.
It is also the center that will develop programs that will enable Rwanda to have a foothold in the international arena. It will also support programs related to space and technology research, as well as programs related to the preparation and launch of spacecraft.
The agency will also monitor Rwanda’s cooperation with other countries in the field of climate.
The decision came after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided that travel between the Provinces and the City of Kigali is not allowed on public transport, and no one is allowed to be out of home between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM
The decision was taken to reduce physical interaction of people in one place to check the growing number of new COVID-19 infections. Companies are encouraged to reduce the number of employees who go to the workplace.
According to a statement signed by President of RBA, Robin Bairstow, the decision was taken after in depth discussions with the Nationall Bank of Rwanda.
Financial digital transactions, however, will continue uninterrupted.
These include paying taxes, transferring money from one bank account to another, transferring money between a bank and a mobile money account, or online payments for other services.
Bank of Kigali, one with several branches in Rwanda, has informed its customers that it will be opening between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, except for the Rusumo branch on the border with Tanzania, which will be open 24/7, while the branches of La Corniche on the border with the DRC, Kagitumba on the Uganda border and Kigali Airport will open between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
“We also remind you to leave at least one-meter distance between people while on the line. We encourage you to reduce the hand to hand money transfer by using more technology networks such as BK App, Internet Banking, USSD (* 334), POS, debit cards and agent services. ”
The RBA has announced that it will continue to analyze the effects of COVID-19, and inform members, customers, and other stakeholders of the next steps.
Various banks have also continued to inform its customers of the changes caused by the government’s decisions.
It is a visit that has strengthened the willingness of both countries to strengthen development ties, given that the two countries share much in common, including the pace of sustainable development.
During his visit, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on sectors such as security, trade, cooperation in increasing milk production, cooperation in boosting leather, agriculture, and culture.
At that time, the Prime Minister of India donated 200 cows to Rwanda, which were given to the people of the Bugesera District in Eastern Rwanda. This was a great sign because cows are animals that means a lot in Indian culture as well as in Rwandan culture.
India also donated 100,000 books to Rwanda for the betterment of education. A $ 200 million (Rwf193 billion) agreement will also be signed to help develop irrigation and industrial space.
In an interview with IGIHE, the Indian Ambassador in Rwanda, Oscar Kerketta, said the money has already been increased.
“I am pleased that India’s budget for Rwanda stands at $ 547 million (Rwf528 billion), which will be used in sectors such as electricity, agriculture, irrigation, and technology,” he said.
In addition to this money that will help the country in large-scale projects, Rwanda has benefited greatly from the investment of Indian businesses that have long shown a thirst for investment in the Rwandan market. As of 2017, India was the third-largest investor in Rwanda, valued at $ 83.1 million (Rwf 80.3 billion).
According to Oscar Kerketta, “Indian businesses are moving to the Rwandan market due to the country’s economic opportunities, good governance, and how Rwanda is leading the way in facilitating investment.”
He explained that there is a lot of potential for productivity between the two countries, as Rwanda can increase the size of its exports to India, as it is still low.
Some of the major Indian companies that have invested in Rwanda include Airtel, Virunga Biotech Ltd, Marasa Holding, Accacia Property Development, Kabuye Sugar Works Sarl, God Steel Rwanda Ltd, Cardiac Specialty Rwanda, Rugabano Tea Company Ltd, Gisovu Tea Company Ltd and more.
As of 2018, Indian projects in Rwanda were valued at $ 389 million, employing 10,175 people in the telecommunications, technology, agriculture, health, and more sectors.
Kerketta told IGIHE that cooperation between the two countries’ trade establishments had begun. It is a partnership called the ‘India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program’ aimed at leveraging India’s technology in the development of Rwanda. The project was launched when former Vice President of India Hamid Ansari paid a visit to Rwanda in 2017.
In the first year of the agreement, over 200 Indian companies signed a partnership agreement with over 100 Rwandan companies. It is expected that in the next two years, up to 20 technological ideas and innovations will be implemented.
Business establishments between the two countries have also signed agreements aimed at facilitating cooperation between them.
According to Kerketta, one of the reasons for this is the launch of flights between Kigali and Mumbai, as well as travel by RwandAir.
“These important travels between Rwanda and India have greatly facilitated relations, boosted trade, tourism, and investment. The launch of air freight services between Kigali and Mumbai has reduced the cost of air freight,” he said.
So far, the journey between Kigali and Mumbai only takes six hours.
This positive relationship also led to the rise of a large number of Rwandan students who are going to complete their studies in India, due to the facilitation of travel and the culture of the two regions.
“Every year we see an increase in the number of Rwandan students going to India to complete their courses. This is due to the reasons for the low cost and quality of education in India, the availability of courses in English, the Indian culture of hospitality, the culture of India in general, the ease of issuing visas, and more,” Kerketta said.
He added that the fact the East African Region is home to a large number of Indians creates a cultural sharing, where Rwandans go to India freely.
Also, India has helped many African students get the opportunity to study in their country for free, and many Rwandans have benefited from it.
“I am pleased to say that, taking advantage of this opportunity, many students who have completed their studies in India will now be contributing to the development of Rwanda,” he said.
Kerketta said development cooperation would continue, adding that institutions such as education, capacity building, health, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and security could be given more attention.
He added that the two countries are concerned about improving their relations, saying that “the key to maintaining relations is in the development of cooperation between India and Rwanda.”
He emphasized that the partnership would be achieved through “support, technical advice, human rights activities, loans to study in India and many other capacity-building programs”.
Apart from Rwanda, India has also invested heavily in building a viable relationship with the African continent as a whole.
For example, trade between India and Africa was $ 69 billion last year, while India was ranked fifth in Africa with a high investment of $ 54 billion.
India has a lot in commonalities with Africa, including having a history that goes hand in hand, especially based on colonialism and the shackles of liberation.
He said that relations between India and Africa are developing because “India’s goal is to expand Africa’s opportunities, build capacity, Africa-based partnerships and work together to participate in world events, giving a voice to people of both sides”.
It is in this context that Oscar Kerketta says that India supports the African Common Market Agreement, AfCFTA, and is proud of Rwanda’s role in its implementation.
“The implementation of the AfCFTA agreement is an opportunity to further boost trade between India and Africa. We commend the role of the Government of Rwanda in the implementation of the AfCFTA. ”
Oscar Kerketta also said that India is in the process of launching an Entrepreneurship Development Center, which will be integrated into the Cooperative and Microfinance Institution (RICEM), which will be completed in the next few months.
The new guidelines were passed during a cabinet meeting that was chaired by President Paul Kagame, Wednesday.
“Movements are prohibited from 7 pm to 5 am,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office reads.
“Public transport between Kigali and other districts is prohibited,” the statement goes on and say that the cabinet did not prohibit private transport between Kigali and other districts of the country, but it directed that “movements should be in adherence with health guidelines.”
Movements between Rusizi district and the rest of the country are still prohibited, except for cargo.
Businesses will also remain operational, with respect to health guidelines and so will work in general.
It has been indicated that in public service, only 30% can work from office, while in the private sector, 50% can work from the office as the rest continue working from home.
Similarly, markets will operate at their half capacity while mass gathering can only operate if organizers have special permission.
“Events must not exceed 30% of the venue capacity,”
“Authorization to host an event will be granted by local authorities and Rwanda Development Board upon fulfillment of the requirements.”
Domestic and international tourism will also continue but tourists should have valid COVID-19 negative test results and reservations.
Churches will also operate in accordance with guidelines earlier established, after authorization from local authorities.
The burial service will still be attended by 30 people as earlier directed, while the civil marriage will be attended by 15 people.
This time, the cabinet also provided for the wake of night vigil-Ikiriyo which should be attended by not more than 15 people.
Land borders are still closed with exception to cargo and returning citizen and legal residents who will have to be put into quarantine at their own cost.
Passengers arriving at Kigali International airport also must present a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 120 hours prior to departure and should comply with health guidelines.
All gaming activities are still prohibited.
“All bars including restaurants and hotels will remain closed.”
Schools will also remain closed as the country continues to assess the situation of the pandemic,
“The cabinet noted an unprecedented increase of COVID-19 cases, related deaths and community transmission, especially in the city of Kigali. Full compliance with health measures, endurance, and vigilance are necessary for better health outcomes for all,” the cabinet noted.
The cabinet warned that any loosening in regard to the respect of COVID-19 guidelines will not be tolerated.
“Local leaders are responsible and accountable for the respect of all health guidelines and lack of compliance by the public will lead to penalties including the closure of non-compliant businesses,” the statement reads.
The promise was made by the Rubavu District Local Authorities after handing over to them the newly built houses completed at a cost of Rwf600 million.
Residents appreciated the houses and the basic home necessities given to them.
Mujawamariya Gaudence, a resident of Nyabishongo Village, appreciated the beautiful house they now live in.
“We are grateful to Rubavu district administration for the beautiful house we have been given, we can’t compare them to where we lived.”
She asked the authorities to think about how they can move out of poverty so that they can get more of what they need in their daily lives instead of always waiting to be given.
The beneficiaries, however, have called for sustainable support through livestock farming to help them thrive and better access to cooking fuels.
Mujawamariya continued, “We have a problem with charcoal, which is why you see us cooking from outside. We can’t cook using firewood in this house.”
Another beneficiary, Rudakemwa Faustin, said they were promised cows through the Girinka Munyarwanda program and urged them to expedite the process to help them get milk and other benefits.
The mayor of Rubavu District, Habyarimana Gilbert, says the residents will be given cows before the end of this year.
Rwanda Biomedical Centre Director General Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana explained that the patients that are not in critical condition and who have space where they can quarantine themselves without causing any risk of transmission can be followed up from their homes.
“Currently, 85% COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic and are not in critical condition. Thus, we have decided to start a program to follow several patients from home provided that they have enough space and cannot put anyone at risk of infection,” Sabin said.
However, the number of patients placed with this option is still small with less than 100 patients under treatment from home.
“To track patients in this condition, we put a bracelet on their hand so that they do not go out and infect other people at the market or other places. We are registering a success story; in Rusisi for example, 20 patients in this category were discharged. In Kigali, we registered recoveries, too,” Nsanzimana said.
In case of any sign of concern, the patient or guardian calls the medics; this patient will then be taken for special treatment.
“This will give the medical practitioners room to concentrate on critical cases; taking several tests, and assuring access to ICU facilities.”
“In most cases we deal with other diseases that they suffer from to increase their body immunity against COVID-19. Understandably, this category includes a few cases, just 15%. We have the capacity to take care of them, but of course, we should keep working on that option to treat a bigger number of patients from home,” Nsanzimana said.
Currently, Nsanzimana said, 10 patients are on respiratory support.
Rwanda’s health authorities say the number of Coronavirus is on the rise, warning the public to observe strict guidelines provided by the government.
In the past two days, Rwanda recorded over 300 new cases while the death toll from the outbreak has risen to 12.
Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin, Director-General of Rwanda Biomedical Center, RBC, said if Rwandans don’t take precautionary measures, things might get worse.
Speaking to the RBA on Monday morning, Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin said that in the clinics the number of patients has started to increase in a way there is a need for some patients to be treated at home so that the clinics can take better care of the ill.
“It’s a new way we started, home treatment, that’s where we’re going to put a lot of effort. The larger clinics where we treat COVID-19 will be for those who are very ill and have symptoms, and the easier it will be to care for them.”
The number of new cases continues to increase, especially in Kigali, mostly those working in the recently closed markets including Nyarugenge and Mutangana Nyabugogo.
Dr. Nsanzimana said the reason for the large number of people infected was that they had deviated from preventive measures including social distance.
He added that violating the precautionary measures leads to the rise of the pandemic, the ability to care for the sick will decline and the number of the ill and death will also increase.
However, Dr. Nsanzimana said that Rwanda still has enough capacity to care for Coronavirus patients.
He said there was also training for more doctors to be able to take care of Coronavirus patients.
Last week, the coronavirus testing method was expanded, a new coronavirus testing laboratory was opened at Ruhengeri Hospital and Kibagabaga Hospital, and the introduction of a rapid scanning procedure known as the Antigen Rapid Test where one can get the results in less than 30 minutes.
Since the first Coronavirus patient appeared in Rwanda, 3,089 people have been infected, and 1755 have recovered, including one who was discharged from the hospital on August 23, 2020.
